Posted on August 28, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
For the past several weeks, I have been sharing with you about anxiety. Today I want to be vulnerable and transparent with you.
I shared in several of my previous posts that thirty-some years ago, I struggled with panic attacks. It was a very difficult time in my life as I felt that I was all alone in the battle. Part of the reason I felt alone was I never heard anyone else talk about their struggles.
It was a scary time as it almost became crippling. I was able to figure out ways to cover it up on the outside. I didn’t want people to think that I didn’t have it all together as I was serving as Music Director at several churches and managing a large Christian Bookstore.
My wife knew what was going on, and bless her heart, she was very helpful and patient. I tried to cover it up from my kids. I did pretty well until the day I had a severe attack in the car with my oldest daughter and really freaked her out.
Fast forward to my ministry at America’s Keswick. I have no logical reason to explain it other than the Lord literally took them away when I came to America’s Keswick. I am not going to say that I never have those moments of anxiety, but it has never been like days when they were severe.
Over the past several years, I have met people from all walks of life who have shared their stories. Normally they would say, “This is my struggle, but no one else understands.” When I tell them my story, it seems to be so helpful.
The Apostle Paul wrote this in his letter to the church at Corinth:
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. – 1 Corinthians 1:3-7
Last week we took a trip to Minnesota to visit our family. A good friend shared with me an essential oil roller blend that helps with stress and anxiety. I have used it on a number of occasions when I am in stressful situations and it has been helpful – I joke with Jan that it is probably in my head, but it seems to be effective.
I am not the greatest flyer, so I used it in the car on the way to the airport. Heading through security, I realized that I left it in the car. The enemy used that moment to activate those feelings of anxiety and panic.
I was at a crossroads. Jan saw the panic in my eyes and immediately started speaking the truth to me. The props were kicked out from under me. I immediately started to pray, quote scripture, and speak truth to myself, then I felt the peace of God begin to flood my heart and mind.
I was looking on my Kindle for the next book I wanted to read, and there it was – Attacking Anxiety – From Panicked and Depressed to Alive and Free written by Shawn Johnson, Lead Pastor of Red Rocks Church.
That read was literally sent from God. Pastor Shawn’s journey mirrored mine on so many levels. I love the mission statement for Red Rocks – “Red Rocks Church exists to make heaven more crowded.”
He shared in his book this powerful statement: “No matter what level of anxiety or depression you are dealing with, no matter how long it has been or how helpless you feel: You are not crazy! You are not alone! And this will end.”
If you have never struggled with anxiety or depression, you won’t understand. But my guess is that there are more of you that relate. You may be like me – you know you need help, but you are afraid to reach out for help.
I am going to share some of the lessons I have learned with you. Hopefully, it will be helpful.
Anchored to the Rock.
Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick
Written by Bill Welte: President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “As God’s creation, my job is to point back to Him. I should praise Him for making me instead of complaining to Him about how He chose to make me.” ― Morgan McCarver
The Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 1-2. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” – Hebrews 8:1-2
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
